One of the most positively reviewed Skagway shore excursions, the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari takes you on a spellbinding journey through some of southeastern Alaska’s most scenic natural wonders with a voyage right up to the face of the awe-inspiring Davidson Glacier Skagway! Cruise in a catamaran along ice-scoured fjords, hike through dense rainforest, and paddle a canoe on a placid mountain lake to the stunning face of the ice wall! Your full-day wilderness adventure begins with a 60-minute catamaran cruise through the Lynn Canal, North America’s longest and deepest fjord. Stay alert to spot whales, sea lions, seals, and more as you pass by steep rock cliffs, hidden coves, and crashing waterfalls. As you take in these sights, your naturalist guide will provide a wealth of enlightening information. On arrival at secluded Glacier Point Beach, an outfitted adventure vehicle will carry you on a short drive across forested glacial moraines to base camp. A quarter-mile hike through the forest leads you to a breathtaking view of Davidson Glacier Skagway and of the lake below, where you will board a 31-foot voyager canoe for a peaceful paddle around the lake. Upon reaching the opposite shore, you will have the opportunity to hike towards the face of Davidson Glacier, if time permits. Back at Glacier Point, enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the beach before your return cruise back to Skagway.
Glacier lover? If you’re heading to Juneau and are searching for an even more intimate glacier adventure, you may want to check out our new and exclusive Mendenhall Glacier Paddle and Trek Tour. Or check out the brand new Glacier Point ATV Exploration for another way to see Davidson Glacier!
6 Hours Duration
From pick-up to drop-off
Wildlife Opportunity
Sea lion, seal, and eagle opportunities
Family Friendly
No minimum age for this tour
Skagway’s Premier Tour
Unparalleled backcountry glacier visit
Deb G
The bluest glacier ever!This excursion was terrific! A little catamaran, a tiny hike through a lovely forest and then an 11 man canoe to the bluest glacier I have ever seen. Too boot, there was a lovely black bear posing on the glacier for us. To be so close to nature's beauty was breathtaking. The reflection of the glacier in the beautiful glacial lake was a real bonus. The clouds only added to the beauty. Thank you to our wonderful guides whose commentary added generously to our understanding not only of the glacier but of the development of the surrounding forests. Their humor and concern for our safety was appreciated.
Cheryl M
Highly Recommend the Glacier Point Wilderness Safari!!!My husband and I are 65 and 64 and we went on 7-3-18. It was a once in a lifetime experience and worth every cent. Our Glacier Point Wilderness Safari tour was super organized and a great experience, from start to finish. I cannot sing the praises enough of (1) Captain Jordon (2) Brian our catamaran guide and (3) Amber our kayak guide. Brian and Captain Jordan were fun to be around, and Brian was hilarious. He made the catamaran ride "there and back" entertaining. Thank you to Captain Jordan for stopping at the sea lion rocks. I never knew they made such sounds! They were stunning to watch. (1) Arriving at the first beach our guides pulled up the catamaran, and we had turkey sandwiches with lettuce and tomato, and a delicious trail mix. Some kids I noticed got pb and j. There was a spectacular view from the picnic area. (2)Then we rode the bus to base camp to get our paddles and boots. (3) From there we hiked on an easy trail through the woods to the kayaks. At that point, the glacier looked near, but it was farther than it looked. The lake was smooth, but even so after awhile Amber had us stop paddling, and she used the motor. Many of us started taking pictures. (4)Once on the rocky beach, we walked. And walked. And walked. It was farther than it looked, and it was worth it! We got to the glacier and seriously, I almost cried at its stunning beauty. We had plenty of time there, and when our group was ready we walked back to the kayaks. At that point, we did everything in reverse....until back to the ship...exhausted and SMILING. I will attach the pictures and you see the reason for the smiles. Book this tour!!! It is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Thank God I listened to my husband. He wanted to do it, and had to do a little convincing to get me to go. He was right. I now have these memories for the rest of my life.
Jane Sobil
Glacier wilderness safariGreat adventure! Very knowledgeable, competent staff. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Leslie S
A Great TimeDespite the cold and drizzly weather, we had a wonderful time. The guides were all informative, humorous, and engaging. Jonathan, Micah, and Zack - thank you for a terrific day. We didn't get to go right up to the glacier because of deep run-off water, but the experience was still fantastic. We loved the canoe portion - it was so incredible to float slowly up to the glacier - it gave a great perspective on nature's beauty.
I would recommend that you bring gloves, an extra pair of socks to change into, and take advantage of the rain pants they offer.
Beth Phillips
had a great timeThe excursion was a little disorganized in the beginning. We took a boat, then a bus, then a canoe to get to the glacier. We rowed until we were tired, then the motor was welcomed by all. Rowing longer would have taken much longer and would have taken time away from the glacier. It is a bit of a walk over rocks to get to the glacier, so I would not recommend to any with mobility issues. We were not able to get all the way to the glacier as there was a stream from glacier melt in the way. The glacier was beautiful! They did not have any sandwiches for us when we first got there. They did have them by the time we were on the boat back, but by then, it was dinner time. We were all quite hungry. Other than the initial disorganization and lunch snafu, it was a great excursion and I highly recommend it.